Topics for parents' meetings
Thu, 01/24/2008 - 17:26 — sonya
We've done: "The pros and cons of homeschooling" and "Curricula".
Next one: "Socialization" - suggested by Sophie & Bea.
Homeschooling more than one, or with a baby or toddler around.
Teaching kids with special needs.
Creative ways to learn.
Teaching the basics: reading, writing, and math.
Negotiations with schools and school boards.
Putting together your child's portfolio.
Unschooling/deschooling.
When our families or friends don't understand our choice to homeschool.
Father's role in homeschooling.
Encouraging resourcefulness, entrepreneurship and responsibility in our kids.
Techonology - suggested by Ruby.
Things to do in Montreal and/or Vacation destinations.
Comments... suggestions... anyone?
Upcoming events
- Minecraft Workshop(Communidée Event)(16 hours)
- DS & Videogames(Communidée Event)(17 hours)
- Cuisine Collective(Communidée Event)(17 hours)
- Building Club: matchstick models(Communidée Event)(19 hours)
- Learn about the Turcot(Communidée Event)(21 hours)
- Parents & Tots(Communidée Event)(2 days)
Topic idea
Hi everyone!
Here is my idea: Homeschooling styles
Members present could each present a different style of homeschooling, which they have read up on or have personal experience teaching. This overlaps with Ruby's idea to compare the unit study approach with using living books. (Note: Konos unit studies uses living books).
See you at Sonya's!
Sophie
Topics for parents' meetings
Since I'm new to this ,and have only recently committed to hs'ing,everything is of interest.
Homeschooling more than one.
My son is 16 mths older than my daughter,so I don't know how this will impact the dynamic.
Negotiations with schools and school boards.
Although I do not want my hs'ing to be a contentious issue with anyone I'm more likely to try and stay under the grid if possible. This will probably become an issue eventually,but I'd like time to find out who I am as a hs'ing mother first before I have to deal with(hopefully never) any school board.Am I being naive,do I have to make my choice known to the school board?
I'm pretty much open to hearing everyone's take on hs/us'ing.The catch of course is that the meeting will be held on a Monday night and my husband works evenings,any chance of me hooking up with you via the net.I own an iMac and know that we could do a conference thingy.I so much want to meet another hs'ing family(do I sound as desperate as I feel :-) ?
Bridget
Topics for parents' meetings
Bridget,
As for your question about dealing with the school board, no, you're not being naive, most homelearners don't register to avoid the hassles that can follow. But like you, most of us are interested in knowing about how to deal with them, just in case we ever have to... ;-)
Bummer about your husband working in the evenings... It took me a while to settle on a schedule that works for most people, so we'll go with it for now. But I like your idea about conferencing via the internet (my husband also has a Mac). Let's try it out! Also, don't despair... we'll have activities with the kids on the 4th Monday of every month - usually 10am until after lunch (my kids still nap in the afternoons). It's a different dynamic, but it's about socializing, and giving the chance for our kids to socialize a bit. So you can meet other hs'ers in the flesh then.
I'm also thinking about starting a weekly gathering (likely on Thursdays) at a library or community centre. Hopefully you will be able to make it to those...
Conferencing via the net
My husband's schedule is subject to change so planning anything around me is not encouraged,instead I will try and find some alternative for the children in the evenings,or if it's a go for teleconferencing all the better.
The 4th Monday of each month seems viable as well.
I have sooooooo many questions. The internet has become a valuable resource,a wonderful tool,still until it starts to breath and laugh at my jokes,it's really just me looking at a screen.
I'm looking forward to meeting you all :-)
Bridget
My List
This is my list for parent meetings (there's some overlap):
* Homeschooling with a special needs child
* Blending homeschooling of one or more children with public schooling others
* Homeschooling ideas for pre-schoolers, or what to do with a pre-schooler while older kids are homeschooling
* How to organize lessons when there are two or more children at different levels
* Compare/contrast unit studies to a more traditional subject approach, and maybe a living books approach
* Making the transition from public school to home school
* Evaluation & choosing materials that are appropriate to a child's academic needs
* Learning styles & how they affect choices of curriculum & approach
* Legal rights & obligations in Quebec (Education Act, Youth Protection, etc.)
* Teaching French, or how to homeschool in French (or using a French immersion format)
It might also be fun to do meetings where we focus on one specific subject area (art, science, geography, etc.) If people are concerned about their ability to teach a subject or availability of the appropriate materials, it might help to pool our resources. I've encountered some folks recently who were particularly concerned about not having resources for one specific subject....
Ruby